Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate Day Trip From Marrakech
Experience the history of old Morocco on this day trip crossing the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech by the Tizi-n-Tichka altitude 2.260m° pass to reach Aït Benhaddou, a well-preserved kasbah and UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Ouarzazate, where movies including ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ ‘Star Wars’ and “Gladiator” have been filmed. Admire a panoramic view of the ancient Taourirt Kasbah. Throughout your tour, your guide will share stories about this fascinating region with a timeless feel.
⇒Embrace the culture, Architecture, and extraordinary landscapes that Morocco has to offer.
AIT BEN HADDOU Day trip tour program
After a dramatic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) our first sightseeing of the day is at Telouet, a village on the ‘Route of the Caravans’ from the Sahara over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Telouet has one of the most spectacular Kasbahs in the Atlas, which was once the palatial residence and headquarters of the powerful Glaoui tribe.
Next, taking a little used back road we arrive at Ait Benhaddou. Inscribed by UNESCO in 1987 as a ‘World Heritage Site’, the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco. The Ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. After a guided tour of the ancient settlement be sure to walk up to the high point on the hill above the Ksar for particularly fine views.
Your final stop is in Ouarzazate to visit Taourirt Kasbah, a former Glaoui palace and the main attraction of the desert oasis city. This 300-room fortress, in part restored, marks the junction of 3 rivers – Dadès, Draâ and Ziz – as well as numerous caravan routes. And while Glaoui chiefs – known as caïd – never resided in this opulent palace, the Glaoui kasbah of Taourirt once housed hundreds of people. You’ll have time to tour the palace and stroll the kasbah’s irregular streets. Late in the afternoon you’ll make the return drive to Marrakech.
- Private air-conditioned 4WD or minibus
- Local guide (English/multilingual)
- Entrances fees to monuments as indicated in the itinerary
- Visit the historical & cultural sites.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fee not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses
- Tips for guides & drivers
- Any items not listed in the inclusions
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